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Holiday Wishes 
A Note from SAIS President 
Dr. Steve Robinson

 

Here we are, deep into the month of December. The holidays are upon us and 2013 is fast falling behind; a blurred memory of lessons, victories, struggles, and joys.

 

The feature article in this newsletter, The Gift of Education, chronicles the journeys of four schools serving their missions in communities that are very different from the vast majority of schools in SAIS or across the country. You will read about the dramatic life-changing transformations these schools make happen: their struggles, the partnerships they have developed with other remarkable schools in their areas, and the value they place on their association with like-minded mission-driven independent schools throughout the SAIS network. 

 

You make a difference in our community. You share your time and wisdom by participating and leading SAIS accreditation visits, by attending and engaging in SAIS professional development and events, and by continuing to build the SAIS network that bolsters the independent school community.  Together we are stronger and we are better equipped to take on the challenges of 2014. 

 

I would like to thank you for everything you do for your students, faculty, families, and communities. All of us at SAIS would like to wish you a happy, safe, and restful holiday. We hope the time with your families allows you to unwind and refresh. You've earned it. 

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Steve Robinson


The Gift of Education: 
Low-to-No Tuition SAIS Schools 
 

Every independent school has a foundation story. A combination of circumstances and people that came together and saw a need to offer children and families something else, something that would make a difference in their lives and the community. Strong, passionate, and visionary leadership is critical. Schools serving an impoverished community face an uphill battle; and independent schools with a college preparatory and advanced academic curriculum serving this community struggle to fulfill their mission. The battles are many and ongoing, but the rewards are transformative: freedom and a better life. 

>>Read more HERE.

interview 

 
If you missed the 2013 SAIS Annual Conference (or just want to relive it!), check out some of the sessions on SAIStv. 
interview 
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
The Gift of Education
Events
Blogs
QUICK LINKS

Newsletter Archive 

President's Page 

Contact SAIS Staff 

 

Do you have a colleague who would benefit from this eNL? They can subscribe here.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Feb 26-28 - registration open! 
SAIS @ NAIS
Orlando, FL
Stop by the SAIS booth (#111) in the exhibit hall and/or our reception from 6-8 PM on Thurs, Feb 27, in Swan 5. RSVP below.
 
March 27-28 - registration open!

Finance Institute 
Atlanta, GA
For heads & administrators who don't have a background in business or finance - learn to speak your CFO's language!
 
April 6-7 - registration open!
Heads Leadership Retreat 
Francis Marion Hotel - Charleston
Growing Leaders in Your School
featuring Ian Symmonds

  

June 15-17 - registration open!
Institute for Senior Administrators 
Emory Conference Center - Atlanta
featuring Keith Evans & David Mahler
 
June 18-20 - registration open!
Administrative Leadership Institute 
Emory Conference Center - Atlanta
featuring Rob Evans & Michael Thompson
 
June 24-27 - registration open!
Institute for Heads
Grove Park Inn - Asheville
featuring Rob Evans & Michael Thompson

June 29-July 2 - registration open!
Institute for New Heads 
Atlanta, GA
featuring Billy Peebles & Scott Wilson
Institute for New Teachers 
June 24-26 | Atlanta
July 15-17 | Charlotte
July 22-24 | Memphis
July 28-30 | Atlanta

October 18-20
Annual Conference 
Atlanta, GA - Crowne Plaza Ravinia

Bill Brown, English Teacher at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School in Atlanta, GA, discusses the power of naming, prejudice, and stereotypes in shaping the outcomes or behavior of people. 
 
Michael Zavada, Middle and Upper School Principal at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, AL, reflects on his senior year quotes and the world his seniors are facing.

Connie White, Director of Technology and Learning at Lakeview Academy in Gainesville, GA, reflects on a recent read, Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning by John Hattie, and discusses two critical factors to student success.
 

David Cutler History Teacher and Cross Country Coach at Palmer Trinity School in Miami, FL, talks to NAIS President John Chubb about the current trend of pitting sectors of education - public, charter, independent - against each other.

 

Technology in the Classroom 

Dylan F. Curtis, Director of Instructional Media and Technology at Hilton Head Christian Academy in Hilton Head, SC, shares two applications that encourage students' communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

 
Looking Ahead to 
January
2014

 

  • STEM: Read about how one SAIS school is incorporating STEM into all grade levels and using 3D modeling software to design solutions to local problems.
  • Book Review of Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect.
  • Accreditation research conducted by a Ph.D. candidate from the University of Virginia.
  • New Twitter resource: "lists" on our Twitter page that you can subscribe to. Lists are a great way to see what a certain group is discussing or to make new connections (http://twitter.com/SAISnews/lists).
  • Interactive SAIS map with information for families and school leaders on the best independent schools in the nation.